Manchester United at QPR: 10 Bold Predictions When Red Devils Host Super Hoops

With a five-point lead on Manchester City and only seven fixtures to go in the season, the Red Devils look to be unstoppable in their quest to take their fifth title in six years.

Not so fast, says Queens Park Rangers.

While it's true that during their first meeting, Manchester United completely dominated—going to Loftus Road on December 18, scoring in the first minute and walking away with an easy 2-0 victory.

But in recent weeks, QPR has proven they can compete with anyone, even if they've also shown they can lose to anyone too. In the last five weeks, the Super Hoops have drawn with Everton and defeated Liverpool and Arsenal. But they've dropped matches to Bolton and Sunderland by a combined score of 5-2.

Manchester United, however, has been a model of dependability, riding an 11-game unbeaten streak that dates back to January 14. In those 11 matches, Sir Alex Ferguson's men have scored 27 goals while during the same stretch conceding only seven scores.

Incredibly, the Red Devils haven't allowed a goal since travelling to Tottenham on March 4! 

It's going to be an incredible match as steady, consistent Manchester United goes up against an erratic, inconsistent QPR side.

With that said, I give you the boldest predictions for when Manchester United takes on relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers.

Chicharito Will Start on the Bench

Personally, I think Danny Welbeck is a better partner at forward than Javier Hernandez.

I predict that Ferguson will take this opportunity against a floundering Queens Park Rangers squad, to sit the inconsistent Little Green Pea and start the 22-year-old Welbeck.

Wayne Rooney Will Score Within First 10 Minutes

Queens Park Rangers have been devastated this season in part because they let go of the lead so early.

In their last seven matches, the Super Hoops have conceded four goals in the first-third of the match. In their first match with Manchester United, it was Rooney who put the Red Devils up 1-0 with a header in the first minute.

Sunday afternoon's match at Old Trafford will be no different as Rooney will score quickly, knocking in a breakaway goal on a counter-attack (bonus prediction!) within the first 10 minutes.

...and Again Before Halftime!

But these are bold predictions, right? I'm going to go so far as to say that Rooney will score his second of the match before the halftime whistle.

Rooney is magnificent at multi-goal performances, recording an astounding nine in all competitions for Manchester United.

It'd be 10 if you counted England's Euro 2012 qualifier match against Bulgaria on September 2nd.

Phil Jones Will Score Before 55th Minute

Phil Jones was magnificent against Queens Park Rangers in his first meeting with them earlier in the season, turning what should be normal strides up the sideline into runs that would pop the lungs of a player 10 years his senior.

The 20-year-old defender displayed great pace and stamina against QPR, especially on counter-attacks, and I predict there will be a lot of chances for Jones to do the same in the early part of the second half.

Manchester United will be holding on to a two-goal lead and the Super Hoops will want to come out of the half and put a quick one past goalkeeper David De Gea.

It's just too bad the Red Devils' defense is way too good and will counter successfully with Jones leading the charge.

Ferguson Will Sub Pogba In Before the 75th Minute

The picture to the left doesn't do justice to how nervous Ferguson will be putting the inconsistent Paul Pogba in...

...and Pogba Will Collect a Late Assist!

When Pogba assists on a late score, tears of joy will erupt from the usually stoic Scotsman.

Joey Barton Will See Red

With his Queens Park Rangers down 3-0 and the waning minutes ticking off the clock, the hot-headed Joey Barton will earn his second red card of the season.

Barton, who nabs yellow cards like they're free candy, will be ejected as the match gets farther and farther out of reach.

Antonio Valencia Will Score During Extra Time of Second Half

You don't think Manchester United will show no mercy on a 10-men QPR side, do you?

Antonio Valencia, an infrequent starter, will extend his current hot streak. In his last five appearances, he's scored two goals and assisted on three others.

The Ecuadorian midfielder is usually included in the box score because of his assists, but he'll earn his fifth goal of the season in the extra time of the second half.

David De Gea Will Collect Fifth-Straight Clean Sheet

In their first match, Queens Park Rangers managed only two shots on goal against Manchester United and goalkeeper David De Gea.

That number will improve, but not by much, as QPR has been averaging 4.5 shots on goal per match. De Gea has shown incredible form as of late, and is more than up to the task.

The Spaniard will easily collect his fifth clean sheet in as many league appearances.

Red Devils Will Win 4-0

Will Manchester United get something out of Sunday's match against Queens Park Rangers? Absolutely. The Super Hoops are an abysmal 3-2-10 away from Loftus Road.

That's the least of my bold predictions.

Will it be three points? Again, absolutely—and again, not that bold.

Will they increase their goal differential by four? That's my bold prediction. QPR has the fifth-worst scoring offense in the Premier League, averaging just 1.13 goals per match.

These are what I think will happen when Manchester United hosts Queens Park Rangers. Comment and add your own!